Esther Ijewere

In lifestyle October 21, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

SIJU YUSUF : ‘WHAT WERE YOU WEARING?’

This seem to be the ready question asked a sexual harassment or rape victim by his/her audience, regardless of whether they are of the same or opposite sex. As awkward as it may sound, this question is often from people of the same sex as the victim. Aren’t they supposed to demonstrate more empathy?

Is this in the bid to confirm known statistics (which have undeniable high tones of ‘agenda setting’)of harassment as a result of indecent dressing or in a callous/insensitive bid to justify the acts of the abuser?

Whatever the case, this question shouldn’t be our default when we encounter victims. The experiences are too horrible to then, again, be asked, if they asked for it. Will it make any difference on your sense of judgement or your humanity/morality should the victim have dressed indecently? *Indecent dressing being subjective. Our definitions of this varies vastly and are often influenced by levels of exposure*.

I digress.

What a victim, who has damned all consequences to share his/her story begs of us is empathy, love, acceptance, reassurance and support through the dark and lonely paths of healing.

Avoid asking questions that suggest you question the genuineness of her story and screams ‘you got what you deserved’. If you can’t be supportive, don’t bother. Maybe, ‘choke’ on your questions? (Figuratively).

In Career Gems October 9, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

MEET ADEOLA OLUBAMIJI, FORMER PEPPER SELLER WHO IS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO EARN A PHD IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING FROM A CANADIAN UNIVERSITY

A young Nigerian lady, Adeola Olubamiji, whose story is that of the proverbial grass-to-grace has not only done herself proud by earning a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, her story is an encouragement that where there is a will, there is a way.
Read her moving tribute on her graduation day:

“As the fifth child of five, I always had to wait for my turn. I was the last, a girl child and raised by a mother who is a farmer and a father who has little.

“I hawked pepper on the streets of Ibadan as early as age 10 to help my mum. Went to public primary and secondary schools in Ibadan. Attended OOU and studied Physics.

“Because I had a 2.1, it opened the door for me to proceed to Finland for a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. During this Master’s degree, I worked part-time as a cleaner and did this after my Master’s as well.

“Out of determination, I applied to over 100 schools for my PhD and finally got a full three-year scholarship (later extended to four years) at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering.

“While in that PhD programme, I worked part-time as a makeup artist, teaching assistant, braided hair and fixed weaves to make extra money.

“Today, I walked the stage as the first black person to bag a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada!

“I walked this stage for you Mama Africa and for my Motherland Nigeria! I walked the stage for all of you Black women disrespected and looked down on!

“I walked for all of you from my ghetto hood, Mokola, Ibadan. I walked for all OSU students and ex-students that got that look from people who think we are not brilliant!

“I walked for all of you Africans in Finland wondering what is next for you!!

“Specially, I walked for you my parents, siblings and extended family in fulfilment of your dreams!

“Specially, I walked the stage for you my late sister Omoleye Olubamiji; and my late mentor Ayodele Olatunbosun.

“Today, I walked for my future husband and my unborn children who patiently waited for me to fulfil my dreams so that he can have a wife he will be proud of and they can have a role model to look up to.

“I walked for all immigrants and all young adults who strived everyday chasing their dreams!

“I walked in celebration of the unfailing love of my first and one truly true love, Jesus Christ, (in you I walk, in you I live, and in you I have had and will continue to have my being)!

“Be bold, be innovative, be different, be you, be everything you want to be; but remember to put God first!

“Let no man, upbringing, money, circumstance, colourism, past mistakes, institution, company, partner, background, let nothing tell you ‘you can’t do it.’

“Go smart! Go hard!! Go for Gold!!! Go with God!!! Just Get Going!!!!! #Grad2017 #PhDConvocation #UofS

In self development October 8, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

THE GIRL CHILD MATTERS

Morna International Children’s Foundation will be kick starting an Initiative tagged: “The Girl Child Matters” in commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child on the 13Th Of October, 2017 at Ikotun, Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos state.
It is going to be a Seminar for adolescent girls in various Secondary and Primary School pupils.

Guest Speakers for the Seminar are Jesuleke Akinpelumi, a female Pilot with Caverton Helicopters Susan Ikegwu, a Gender Activist, and ACP. Aderemi Adeoye, an Assistant Commissioner of Police seconded to African Union Commission.

Key areas the Initiative will focus on are;

The right of the girl Child to Education

The right of the girl Child to protection from abuse

The right of the girl Child to equality

The right of the girl Child to Health & Care

The right of the girl Child to survival

The Girl child matters is subsequently going to include campaigns, rallies, and workshops in order to spreads its message.

Bukola Afolabi Ogunyeye

Executive Director / Founder

MORNA International Children’s Foundation (MICF)

Phone number: 08175625915

Email: info@mornafoundation.org

Website: www.mornafoundation.org

ABOUT MORNA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION (MICF)

MICF is a registered Non- Governmental Organization. She campaigns against Child Abuse, it’s prevention and assist Victims of Sexual Abuse and promotes the rights of the Nigerian Child. Her vision is to build a word where Children are respected and protected from all forms of abuse.

MISSION STATEMENTS

1. MICF’s mission commits to nurture and empower Children on their fundamental Human rights.

2. To provide public awareness on the current state of Child abuse and neglect in Nigeria.

3. To spread programs that focus on advocating prevention and early intervention in Child abuse and neglect through public education.

In Career Gems October 8, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

HEARTMINDERS DAY OF THE GIRL 2017

We are pleased to introduce to you The Heartminders Societal Advancement Initiative’s day of the girl #IDG2017 Conference for your warm consideration and coverage .
Our Objective

The Heartminders project was conceived to create a better and healthier society.

Our Aim

To offer Nigerians girls, especially the young adults and teenagers through this project, hope for a better tomorrow, upholding their right to life.

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

For its sixth observance, this year’s Day will focus on the theme; EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises’ as announced by UN.

The fulfilment of girls’ right to education is first and foremost an obligation and moral imperative.

For this reason, Heartminders Societal Advancement Initiative and United Nations information Centre Lagos will commemorate the day of the girl on Wednesday, 1th October, 2017.

Theme: EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises

Time: 9am

Venue: FM Event Center, 19, Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Mrs. Princess Olufemi-Kayode

Nigerian Criminal Psychologist, founder and Executive Director of Media Concern Initiative

Proffesor Mrs. Abigail Ogwezzy- Ndisika

Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos

Guest Speaker

Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuph

Lagos state commissioner for youth and social development

Panel of Discussants

Donna Ogunnaike- Poet and Barr at Law

Tewa Onasanya – Publisher Exquisite Magazine

Esther Ijewere – Women of Rubies

Bisi Ogunwale- Junior Chamber international

Grace Ama – Actress and Movie producer

The annual Conference is aimed at raising awareness on issues facing girls in Nigeria from education, abuse, child marriage to legal and medical rights

It is our firm belief that this investment of our time and resources would be worth it and would surely get rewarded by the emergence of a children-friendly and fair society that we all yearn for.

In self development October 8, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

EKENE ONU: EVERYONE NEEDS A SUPPORTIVE SPOUSE

Yesterday I spent the day at my Refresh soul sisters dental office. She had her annual free Dental day where she and her team of dentists give free dental care to the less fortunate. She recruited me to give motivation, inspiration and transformation and when Tejumade St Matthew-Daniel calls you…you feel compelled to come 😉.

They saw over 200 patients. And at the end of the day, as is her way, she asked me what the most impactful moment was for me.

There were so many but l’ll tell you what touched me the most was how she and her husband worked together. He was front and center supporting and pouring into his wife’s mission. He is a successful physician himself (He was actually on call that day) and he brought his office team to volunteer. While she was seeing patients, he was not somewhere sitting as Oga concerned. He was walking around, working with the volunteers, speaking to the people waiting for medical attention.

During her thank you speech, she honored him and whenever I speak to either of them, they speak so highly of each other. It was beautiful to see a model of a marriage fueled by purpose and bound by love.

Some might think he isn’t Nigerian but he is. They are both Nigerian and they are one of the powerhouse couples I know.

It strikes me as amazing because unfortunately, so often there is some unnecessary tension in some marriages. Some men have been socialized to believe that being a husband means controlling a woman and sometimes even suffocating her passion and drive out of her. Some are so threatened by strong women.

If you meet Tejumade, you will say she is a strong woman. She is. No doubt about it. If you meet me, you might say the same perhaps.

So many (Nigerian) men find strong women troubling. I myself have heard the phrase “be forming strong woman there o!) from different men.

But then some women get it twisted too. They are also controlling and emasculating and more. Some women become warriors at war with the wrong enemy. But these control dramas are not about gender…

They are about emotional and spiritual immaturity.

For the insecure and immature, love is often replaced by control and intimidation is used by many husbands/wives as opposed to affection and loving communication. For some men, they just want their wives to be quiet. Just acquiesce. To have no voice…as if she was not created by God to fulfill purpose…and sometimes it is the voice of your partner that will alert you to danger.

My father and I were talking last year about culture, tradition and gender relations. And he said finally…any society that doesn’t value and make room for the contributions of it’s women is like a dog trying to walk on just two legs.

Our people say that what an old person sees sitting down, a young person can not see standing up.

Back to the couple of the hour. I have been blessed to spend time with them and they are both purpose driven, sold out to God and constantly investing in their own growth. This I believe is the key. They are both yearning to be the best people they can be. Individually and together and they support each other’s growth.

We are all meant to be strong in the Lord. To be of good courage is not a mandate only for men. For God has given us all (men and women alike) a spirit of power, love and a sound mind.

When a strong man and woman unite = 💥💥Powerhouse couple.

Yesterday, because of the efforts of a powerhouse couple and their teams, hundreds of lives were changed.

Selah.

Curled from her Facebook page

In Career Gems September 27, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

JUMOKE ADENOWO HAS A WORD FOR WOMEN WHO DON’T SUPPORT OTHER WOMEN

It is crazy for someone to put a woman in position and another woman says, why her? Jumoke Adenowo says, baring her mind on the unhealthy competition among women.

She explains that it is important that women support each other and see themselves as sisters rather than rivals.

In her words:

This is where men in business get it better than women . We don’t have to like everything about each other to network and partner. Sometimes we women can major on minors and hold on to irrelevant offences when there is major work to be done !!

Let go of personality clashes and territorial, egotistic,shenanigans! I don’t even wait for you to greet me talk less of now complaining that you didn’t greet me and …if I greet you and you don’t answer I assume you didn’t hear so I say ” I was greeting you “

Don’t have permanent enemies !! Build bridges ! Don’t burn them ! Some women would rather help anyone BUT another woman ! This massive insecurity is soooo outdated !! You are the only one left o !! Enough is enough ! We are #sisters not rivals !

In Interviews&profile September 27, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

MEET 14 YEAR OLD NANA YAA, GHANAIAN GIRL WITH AUTISM WHO ASPIRES TO BE A SUPER MODEL

Nana Yaa Ohenewaa Kuffour is 14 year old girl who is nonverbal and has autism but despite her condition, is determined to become one of the most inspiring people on earth.

With a condition such as autism, Nana Yaa is turning her life around with the support of her family, discovering an inner potential and a recent photo shoot directed by celebrated Ghanaian Photographer Kwaku David & Photo Model, Afi Antonio.

With an inspiring mum and mentor, Mrs. Mary Kuffour, who is a Professional teacher, now a special needs teacher and an early interventionist for children with speech and language difficulties, Nana Yaa says she is ready to turn her hobby into a career.

According to Prince Akpah, she was born a healthy baby, before her mother discovered the health condition of her daughter when she turned 5.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is popularly referred to as Autism, is a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. It is now known that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental factors.

In Career Gems September 26, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

RITA DOMINIC, KATE HENSHAW, OMONI, UFUOMA, BLESSING EGBE DAZZLE ON RED CARPET FOR “THE WOMEN”

Nollywood actress and Filmmaker Blessing Egbe, premiered her highly anticipated new movie ‘The Women’ at the IMAX Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos, on Friday. The event was quite colorful as several celebrities and movie lovers graced the red carpet.

The glamorous event was attended by star actors such as Omoni Oboli, Ufuoma McDermott, Kate Henshaw, Femi Branch, Kene Mkparu, Samuel Olatunji (Bigsam), Moses Babatope, Gregory Ojefua, Kalu Ikeagwu, Anthony Monjaro, Lillian Afegbai, Rita Dominic and host of others.

The movie ‘The Women’ follows the events that occur when a group of women and their partners decided to go on a weekend getaway. At this getaway event, the set of malicious women are met with challenging trials that each must confront or succumb to. A tale of love, friendship, lies, and betrayals, take us all on an interesting journey filled with so much drama, humor, and lessons. The movie touch on may emotions that the screening hall became emotionally charged with divided opinions with some people standing for women and many other for men.

Written, produced and Directed by Blessing Egbe, ‘The Women’ features some of Nollywood’s top stars including Kate Henshaw, Omoni Oboli, Ufuoma Mcdermott, Kalu Ikeagwu, Femi Branch, Anthony Monjaro, Gregory Ojefua and Lilian Afegbai. The movie also introduces upcoming actors like Unity Nathan and Roxy Antak.

Blessing who is the producer and director of critically acclaimed soap, Lekki Wives said it is her best movie yet. The movie will be showing in cinemas across Nigeria from Friday, September 29, 2017.

Blessing Egbe has become a household name over the last couple of years with productions like “Two Brides and a Baby”, “One Room”, “This Thing called Marriage” and more to her credit. “The Women” will be showing in Cinemas nationwide come 29th September 2017.

Watch the Trailer:

https://youtu.be/blspmlPiNvc

In Interviews&profile September 26, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

OLUWASEUN OSOWOBI AYODEJI, FOUNDER OF STAND TO END RAPE WINS THE FUTURE OF WOMEN AWARD

Oluwaseun Osowobi Ayodeji, the founder of Stand to End Rape, an NGO advocating against sexual violence and providing support for survivors, have been awarded The Future of Women Award.

The award is about inspiring, engaging, and recognizing rising women leaders across the continent of Africa.

Out of 1200 nominations from 40 countries received, Oluwaseun won in the area of social impact.

Oluwaseun will receive ad-credit and individual support from Facebook as well as advice on how to connect to the office of the firstlady in Nigeria.

After surviving rape in 2011, Oluwaseun was inspired to work to achieve a different future for women. In 2013, she started an online platform on social media as a means to help survivors speak out. This was born out of the need to help those who have been violated with opportunities for justice and psychological and social support.

source: woman.ng